Hi, I just joined the group.  I was browsing through the groups and found this one.  I have an ancestor who was born in Dallas County, MO.  His father is my brickwall so I thought I might be able to find some help here.

 

His name is Melvin Hoppins.  He was born Jan. 16, 1861 in Buffalo, Dallas, Missouri.  His mother is Nancy Johnson.  He has a sister born in 1864 named Matilda.  He married Cynthia Bunch in Carroll County AR, Dec. 28, 1890 and died and is buried in Rule Cemetery in Carroll County,  AR.  He died in 1934.  Somewhere I have an obit with the exact date, but not available now.  I have not been able to locate him in 1860 or 1870 census.  The first time I find him, in 1880, he is living in Carroll County, AR.  His mother has remarried (a Griffeth) and she is widowed for the second time.  At no point have I been able to locate a father.  Familysearch.org records indicate an LDS submission by a woman who is a first cousin of my mom's.  There is a father (Vance Hoppins) listed for him  at this submission, but I have not been able to find him anywhere.  Censuses for Melvin indicate his father might have been born in NY or CAN.  If anyone can help me, I would appreciate it.  TY!